kämmenittäin

Kämmenittäin is a Finnish word that translates to "by the palmful" or "in palmfuls." It refers to a quantity measured by the amount that can be held in one's open palm. This is a colloquial and imprecise unit of measurement, often used in informal contexts to describe small but not precisely quantifiable amounts of loose materials.

The term is commonly encountered in recipes, particularly traditional ones, where it might indicate the amount of herbs, spices, or other ingredients to be added. For example, a recipe might suggest adding "kämmenittäin tilliä" which translates to "a palmful of dill." Similarly, it could be used to describe the amount of grain, berries, or other small items gathered or handled.

The actual quantity represented by "kämmenittäin" varies depending on the size of the hand and the nature of the material being measured. It implies a generous handful, but not so much that it would spill over the sides of the palm. In a culinary context, it suggests a rustic and less precise approach to cooking, where exact measurements are not deemed necessary. The term highlights a connection to practical, everyday activities and a less standardized way of quantifying things compared to formal units of measurement.